June, 2016
Ana's Savannah home was turning out better than she could have hoped. Her mother and step father number four had chosen wisely. The house itself was in an exclusive gated golfing community, just five hundred feet to the lake. The yard hosted a dozen or so magnolia and weeping willow trees. The house her mother referred to as a quaint cottage was a 4000 square foot single story, 4 bedroom, and four bath piece of Savannah history. She loved the front porch with its white columns and hanging plants. Ray and Luke added a large outdoor entertaining area complete with a stone fire place and grill. Two ceiling fans installed in the covered back deck circulated the oppressive Savannah heat enough so that early mornings and evenings were comfortable. It was on this deck, in the early mornings, she felt Carla's presence and made her peace.
Her paradise became a sauna by midday and the heat drove her indoors. Not that that was a problem. Her great room was a dream; large ,comfy, slip covered sofas , a single wing backed chair, the walls in a pale yellow and tables made of reclaimed wood; simple, beautiful, classic, Ana. The kitchen, remodeled just before Carla became ill, opened to the great room, designed for entertaining.
The same relaxing feel continued to her bedroom where a wall of windows overlooked the lake. This room was larger than her Seattle apartment. There were no words to describe her private bath. In remodeling, she removed the tub and replaced it with a shower large enough for two.
Her office however was her sanctuary. Ray converted one of the larger spare bedrooms into a small, efficient library by utilizing what had been an impressive walk in closet. Two walls lined with books, her childhood desk and a chaise lounge completed her private space. It was perfect. When the heat and humidity became excessive, she retreated to her office to rework and edit her master piece. Cecelia volunteered to read it for her, offering a few suggestions. Taking a page from her mentor, she decided to use a pseudonym. It was now in the hands of an editor Cecelia recommended and much to her delight was being shopped. Little Ana Steele from small town USA was about to become a published author. Only Cecelia and Luke were aware and encouraged her every step of the way.
She hadn't packed much for her trip to Savannah; just a few personal items, flash cards, lap top, phone, tablet and one small suitcase. She wasn't moving after all. Ana did make one rather large purchase; a brand new Lexus SUV. Kate made the cross country trip with her, flying back a few days later promising to come back for the big reveal of her newly renovated home.
The last few months had gone so quickly but she was moving forward. Her mother's friends The Bookends invited her to tea. They neglected to tell her it was Long Island Iced Tea. No wonder they giggled like school girls half way through the luncheons.
Lucious Fremantle and his wife Abigail were extremely gracious. Abigail, an avid gardener was proud of her award winning roses. Ana was so impressed she engaged her help to add some color to her landscape. Abigail offered to help Ana with her selections. Not wanting to take advantage, Ana suggested that they have an early breakfast and Abigail could help her with placement.
Abigail arrived ,on time of course, ready to help her young friend add color and life to the exterior of her home. She adored the young woman with so much life to live. Ana answered the door enthusiastically, grateful for the company and the task at hand. After a light breakfast Ana excitedly presented her selections of pink and white blooming plants.
Abigail hesitated for a moment, Ana honey, these are beautiful for sure, but are you certain you want to plant these?" "Yes of course, look how delicate the petals are". She had spent hours selecting colors and textures and was disappointed Miss Abigail didn't share her enthusiasm. Speaking softly, Abigail reached to reassure Ana, "Sweetie they are beautiful and as delicate as you are, but you need to be very careful handling any of them; pointing to the Oleander, Daphne, and this one, Windflower; they can be very harmful, even poisonous. You'll need long sleeves and gloves to handle them. Better yet, let me call my gardener. You and I can supervise."
With the outside sweltering heat and humidity, Ana sought comfort in her office. Now that her book was in capable hands and home renovations complete, she could finally spend time adding finishing touches to the home that had become her refuge. Reaching into her satchel, she pulled out a box containing a hand full of flash cards from her phone. I was her habit to replace rather than download to her computer. Finally she had the time, her plan was to sort through them and print photos of friends and family to adorn the blank wall of the family room. Laughing and crying at the memories, she saved several to a disc for the walls for Savannah and Seattle. Ray would love the photo album she was planning for him, maybe for his birthday.
It would have been so much easier if the cards were dated. When she looked up, the sun was setting and it was time to think about dinner. 'I only have one more to go" she thought. Carefully placing the card in the slot on her lap top, waiting for it to load, she remembered items to add to her grocery list. Of course this would be the last card to review. It was the one she removed from Christians phone before returning it along with everything else he given her.
One by one, pictures of Ana Jose had snapped, Carla before she'd lost so much weight, selfies of the two of them making silly faces, the last time Carla visited Seattle….it was bitter sweet. She missed her mom but was comforted in know her suffering was over. Adding her favorites to the disc, she noticed a video and clicked to open.
Momentarily frozen, time stood still. Somehow she must have hit the record button before she placed her phone on a cabinet. She remembered that night with clarity and was grateful Christian had not seen the phone. The film was clear and there was no doubt who was in the video or what they were doing. During her mother's final weeks, she carried her phone everywhere, even the Red Room of Pain.
"So Banana" Ethan yelled from the kitchen, "When are you coming back?" That was met with a chorus of yeah girl, we miss you. With the exception for a few business trips, she had been in Savannah for nearly four months. Ana was so excited. This was her first big party in her new home, well vacation home. All of her friends from Seattle and Savannah, including the Townsend's, her dad, the Fremantle's, their wayward nephew Nick Andres, new friends Frannie Goldsmith, her beau Stu Redman, and two of The Bookends, Robin Stokes and Bernadine Harris. Robin and Bernadine swarmed around a flustered Ray who appeared to be in the need of rescuing.
It had been difficult getting everyone together. Between Luke's mystery job, her fathers frequent fishing trips, and visiting her authors, the timing was never right.
The kitchens marbled island was laden with smoked Georgia Stripe Bass, pork shoulder, ribs, brisket, roasted corn, salads, fresh fruit, and mouth watering cakes. The house was filled with sounds of good music, laughter, and good natured ribbing. After dinner, the men lounged on the deck as the heat gave way to a mild breeze, smoking cigars and teasing Luke about his imported beer. The ladies chatted easily, finishing off the last of the wine, clearing the table, and waiting for Abigail's famous peach cobbler to come out of the oven.
Over second helpings of the buttery peach concoction, Ana clicked her bottle to get everyone's attention. "Everyone", her friends turned their attention to her. "Thank you so much for helping me christen my vacation home. I think Carla would be pleased with the renovations and that her home will continue to be enjoyed. I also want to thank you for your support over the last year. I couldn't have made it without you. As much as I have enjoyed this respite, it is time to go home. Now, if I could just get someone to make the road trip with me…Amongst the cheers of joy, six hands volunteered.
December 2016
Nearly a year after Luke and Ana began their relationship; the two friends were celebrating the publication of her first novel, The Submissives Revenge. Ana had requested that Luke wear a tux and hired a limo for the evening. They made an attractive couple as they made there way to the Mile High club for dinner. Kate, Elliott, Ethan, and Jose would join them for dancing later. Dinner was a private affair.
"Ana, you want to tell me why I have on this monkey suit and what's wrong with our usual, "The Beef and Barley"? You know they make the best burgers in the Pacific Northwest."
"Aw come on Lukie, its just one night and I wanted to do something special besides, I haven't seen you in a few weeks" Ana was practically begging.
Luke wondered how any man could deny that pout. He certainly couldn't. "Anything for you Steele. What's up"?
She handed him the carefully wrapped box she carried. "Luke I want you to be the first to have this. The last year has been challenging but you were with me every step of the way. It's as if we've known each other our whole lives. I just want to thank you. This is for you. Now open it". Ana could barely contain her excitement.
He shook the box, "It's not ticking so it's not a bomb". He opened the box, examining the contents. A broad grin covered his face.
She was practically bouncing in her seat "Luke can you believe it? I'm a published author but remember you can't tell anyone".
Luke opened the book. "To my brother from another mother, love your sister from another mister" Ana's neat hand writing filling the space under the title page. Luke spun Ana around and planted a wet kiss on her cheek congratulating her. He pulled back for moment, looking deep into her eyes "Ana, you know I'd do anything for you right? You and Ray have been more family to me than I have ever known". She was truly touched, attempting to determine what brought on this moment of sincerity "Back at you Sawyer. Right back at you. She placed a gentle kiss on his cheek and pulled him in for a tight hug. Anyone observing might have thought they were lovers.
? POV
Arizona Daily Sun
A thirty four year old male was found this morning inside his car parked at Pulliam Airport. A passer by, noticed a man slumped over his steering wheel and notified authorities. The man, identified as Randall Flagg was pronounced dead at the scene of an apparent heart attack. Fowl play is not suspected at this time however an autopsy will be performed.
Mr. Flagg's wife said he was headed to Las Angeles for business. He is the owner of Flagg Industries Inc, an oil refinery company with head quarters in New Orleans, La. He was well known throughout Arizona for his philanthropy, particularly, The Boys and Girls Clubs of America. He leaves behind his wife Nadine of four years.
Clipping the notice and adding it to the others, the avenger mused, one more, just one more and then ill I'll be free.